Looking for a trail? Here you will find the trails I recommend from personal experience. I offer a wide variety of locations and lengths, too!
Ontario:
Niagara Region
Mel Swart Lake Gibson Park is a beautiful place to visit in Thorold. It has a beautiful boardwalk which allows a great opportunity to watch the sunset, plus it has a trail through the marshland which is relatively flat and therefore stroller friendly. The wetlands here host unique ecosystems that are some of the most diverse in all of Canada! It’s a short trail but it also has benches and a lookout on the boardwalk. This trail is short but what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in views. There are also many side trails and a connection to the Bruce Trail. The main loop is about 3.5km but you can also venture around the side trails to many lookouts overlooking Lake Ontario, Grimaby Mountain and the highway. There is also Beamers Falls located at the bottom of the stairs on one side trail. Beamer Memorial Conservation Area
Hamilton Region
This is my favourite trail in Hamilton. It’s 3.5km and has a side trail you can also do if you want to add some length. The parking lot is small unfortunately, so I recommend coming early in the morning or on a week day. Most people stop at the beginning (where the waterfall is), but the trail is the main attraction for me; it’s spectacular. Be careful if it’s muddy! This trail goes by the names of Great Falls, Smokey Hollow Falls, and a few others. This 10km is in Hamilton, Ontario. This is an easy trail with few moderate sections. It offers views of multiple waterfalls, as well as a gorge and a beautiful creek. This is one of my all time favourite trails in Ontario. Felkers Falls, Bruce Trail & Mountain Brow in Hamilton, OntarioI had to include this here. This is only a 1km hike and some of it is along the roadside, but this little section transports you to a whole different world. It is absolutely breath taking and a must see! It’s pretty family friendly, too.
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Rattlesnake Point is a conservation area with a 4km main loop but also features many side trails and a connection to Crawford Lake. This trail is in Milton, Ontario. It offers many lookouts and also features a cave. Rattlesnake Point, Milton ONThis is a short (1.3km) hike but it has an outstanding view. My favourite time of year to see it is in the fall! Most of the trail is on a boardwalk so you don’t need particularly sturdy footwear. If you want to go there for free without a reservation, make sure you check out my blog post for the information. The Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon, Ontario
Bruce Peninsula
I got engaged here so this is a very important place for me, however, I truly think the beauty and history behind it is fascinating for everyone. Taking the glass bottom boat tour over the 19th century shipwrecks, exploring the caves and flowerpot formation is the perfect trip if you ask me. It’s a short trek once on the island but there is lots to explore! Bring proper footwear and a snack. Flower Pot Island, Tobermory, OntarioLions head provincial park is a great place for a hike. It has a few trail options – my favourite being the lookout trail. From the parking lot to the lookout and back is about 7km. It has a very rocky terrain. Wear adequate hiking footwear and remember to hydrate! Lions Head Provincial Park, OntarioThe Grotto looks so magical – it is a shoreline sea cave surrounded by turquoise waters. There are different trails here, the shortest being 3km and the longest being if you walked along the Bruce Trail. This is a great spot to swim, climb, and explore. Indian Head Cove is my favourite place to swim inside. The Grotto, Tobermory, Ontario
Muskoka
One of my favourite hikes in Muskoka! This is a 4km loop, but I like to go on the rocks and down the waterfall to explore and swim (if warm enough). The fall colours here are unbelievably beautiful, too. It also has a considerable amount of parking space. Very worth checking out, plus it’s close to the town of Bracebridge!Huckleberry rock is a very special place. It is short (2.9km) but has many breathtaking sights. It is a great place to behold sunrise or sunset. It is, to put it simply, a giant rock with amazing lookout spots. It also features a rock-cut where you can see the highway. Hatchery Falls is an 8m high cascade in Muskoka. It is rarely busy and only a 25min walk from the parking lot. It can get pretty bug-infested, so wear lots of repellent or visit in the fall. You can swim at the bottom of the waterfall. If you’re looking for a shorter hike with lots of views, this is a great spot! It’s such a wonderful place to visit in any season. Waterfalls, rocks, trees, a hikers dream!
Algonquin Provincial Park
This is a moderate trail with an exceptionally admirable lookout. It is a 7.5km loop with a history lesson on Algonquin Park. It has lots of elevation changes and stairs near the lookout, so come prepared with water and proper footwear! Track and Tower Trail, Algonquin Park ONIf you want some pretty views but a shorter walk, this 3.5km loop is a good trail to tackle. It has different spots overlooking Jack Lake, and the parking lot usually isn’t very busy. I was able to do it with my toddler and baby. Hemlock Bluff Trail, Algonquin Provincial Park ON
Killarney Provincial Park
Looking for a challenge? This trail really rewards you. This 6km hike (and climb) takes you to see white quartzite ridges, and a few lookouts that are some of my favourite in all of Ontario. This trail is rated extremely difficult and can take around 4 hours, so make sure you’re in excellent condition and have time to complete it. Hiking The Crack at Killarney Provincial Park
Simcoe County
Simcoe Country Admin Forest is a place I have hiked many times! There are lots of different trails here, linking to more trails west of Nursery Road. The train is active so be careful if near the tracks.This reserve has a 6km hike to the lookout with abundant caves and rocks to explore! This also attaches to the Bruce Trail, and you also have the options to explore the Singhampton Side Trail and the Standing Rock & Caves Side Trail. This is such a beautiful place to see. Very photogenic.
Quebec:
This is an out and back trail that is a total of 3.4km. There are a handful of beautiful waterfalls, a view of Meech Lake, and ruins. Such a gorgeous and photogenic spot! We went in October, and parking was free.
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